‘In Her Words’ screening at the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics
In recognition of the incredible generosity of the Wilson family and the impact of the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics, the story of their inspiration is captured in a heart-warming film, ‘In Her Words’. The film is screening on the digital supporter wall at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Snowdome founder and director, Grant Rutherford brought together producer Jason Byrne and director Yianni Rowlands who, together with the Wilson family, made this very special short film.
The film is the story of blood cancer survivor, Christine Wilson, told by her family through her words given at a speech at the opening of the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics in 2017.
Tragically, Chistine passed away three months after the Centre opened. Her death was unrelated to blood cancer. However, Christine’s legacy and spirit live on through her family and their collective mission to make a life-changing difference to patients with a blood cancer diagnosis.
Knowing the grim prognosis that a blood cancer diagnosis carries with it, the Wilson family wanted to harness the medical profession’s understanding that the unique genetic profile of a patient could pave the way for more precise and effective treatments.
The family’s mission was to make genomic testing the standard of care, accessible to everyone diagnosed with a blood cancer. Genomic testing enables researchers to identify the genetic mutations causing a patient’s cancer, whether it will act aggressively and which treatments the cancer will respond to, avoiding unnecessary and ineffective treatments.
Since its establishment in 2017 until the end of 2023, the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics subsidised over 6,200 genomic tests resulting in patients receiving more tailored treatments to their diagnosis and prognosis.
The incredible work of the team at the Centre was the catalyst for genomic testing receiving a Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item number resulting in subsidies being available for Australian blood cancer patients. The impact of receiving an MBS item number cannot be overstated. From January to June 2024 alone, the Centre has provided 4,764 genomic tests.
With routine testing now more readily available, clinicians can diagnose blood cancer cases with greater precision, enabling them to choose treatments that have the highest likelihood of success. Furthermore, patients no longer need to worry about the financial burden of these tests, removing a significant barrier to receiving the best possible care.
In addition to the wonderful achievements in genomic testing, since its establishment in 2017, the Centre has released more than 135 research publications, awarded 7 molecular fellowships and participated in 131 research presentations.
“Whilst it was difficult to make the film, it is a lasting tribute to an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. Christine was the leading force in establishing this Centre and would be immensely proud of what it has achieved in such a short space of time,” said the Wilson family.
‘In Her Words’ is screening in the foyer of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where the Wilson Centre for Blood Cancer Genomics is located.
You can watch the film here.